Albert Pujols will not be the next manager of the Los Angeles Angels, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Heyman reports that discussions between Pujols and the team have ended due to disagreements over “coaches, resources, and compensation.” Sam Blum of The Athletic adds that while situations can change, it is considered “very unlikely” that both parties will find common ground after failing to align on the financial and contractual details.
Just days ago, Pujols was viewed as the leading candidate for the job. Blum notes that during a meeting in St. Louis 11 days ago between Pujols and general manager Perry Minasian, talks reportedly went well and momentum appeared to be building toward a deal. However, negotiations ultimately stalled over money. One factor that may have complicated matters is Pujols’ existing ten-year, $10 million personal services contract with the Angels, signed during his 2011 free agency. Seven years and $7 million remain on that deal, though its specific influence on the managerial talks remains unclear.
Although Pujols won’t be managing in Anaheim, he is expected to remain a candidate elsewhere. The future Hall of Famer is set to interview with both the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles, though competition for those positions is expected to be tougher. While the Angels had primarily focused on Pujols before talks broke down, the Padres and Orioles are also considering Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty. In Baltimore, interim manager Tony Mansolino is still in contention, and in San Diego, Rangers special assistant Nick Hundley has been linked to the role as well.
Meanwhile, the Angels are turning their attention to other candidates. Former players Torii Hunter and Kurt Suzuki will both interview for the managerial position. According to Blum, Hunter remains a contender but is “not a slam-dunk” for the job. The club has also shown interest in former Twins and Orioles managers Rocco Baldelli and Brandon Hyde, though it’s unclear if either is open to the opportunity. Baldelli recently expressed a desire to return to managing eventually but may take time off to be with his family, while Hyde has reportedly spoken with Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey about San Francisco’s managerial vacancy.
With Pujols no longer in the mix, the Angels are expected to move forward with their search in the coming days. That process could soon bring clarity on potential candidates such as Hyde, Baldelli, Flaherty, and former Astros manager Bo Porter, who served as the Angels’ third base coach this season and remains interested in the position after interviewing for it two years ago, prior to Ron Washington’s hiring.